Taipei (Taiwan), Jul 8 (AP) — Japan's Emperor Naruhito met with Mongolia's President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh on Tuesday, signifying a move toward strengthening relations between these democracies amid a region heavily influenced by Russia and China. The meeting followed a welcoming ceremony in Mongolia's capital, Ulaanbaatar, taking place on the second day of Naruhito's weeklong visit. Japan is keen on enhancing trade relations with Mongolia, a country of 3.5 million, known for its rich coal, copper, and mineral resources, primarily exported to China. Later in the day, Naruhito is set to lay flowers at a memorial honoring the Japanese prisoners of World War II who endured tough conditions in Mongolia. His visit aligns with the 80th anniversary of the war's end. Some historians note that one of the initial battles occurred in 1939, marked by a defeat of Japanese forces by Soviet troops at Mongolia's frontier. In recent times, the emperor has visited sites of significant World War II battles, such as Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Hiroshima, underlining his mission of atonement and remembrance for the war waged during Emperor Hirohito's reign, his grandfather. While the majority of Japanese POWs were taken to Siberia, about 12,000 to 14,000 were detained in Mongolia, which, by the end of the war, was aligned with the Russians against Japan. Post-war, Mongolia became a Soviet-aligned zone with many citizens continuing traditional herding lifestyles. Since ending Communist rule in 1989, Mongolia has established a resilient democracy, balancing economic and political interests from Beijing and Moscow, while receiving firm backing from the United States and allies such as Japan and South Korea in Asia. (AP) NSA NSA
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